An unsettling revelation was made by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) this week about the compromised security at a recent campaign rally for former President Donald Trump.

At the fateful July campaign event, there appear to have been alarming security management issues within the U.S. Secret Service leading to a serious threat against the former president, as Breitbart reports.

The event in question took place last Saturday in Butler, Pennsylvania. Organized as part of Donald Trump's ongoing campaign efforts, the rally unexpectedly became the focus of major security concerns after a near miss concerning the former President's safety.

The whistleblowers, who reached out to Hawley, reported that the event was marked by "loose" security protocols. Key security measures typically expected at such a high-profile event were notably absent.

Most notably, the personnel in charge of security were not accustomed to United States Secret Service agents. Instead, the detail consisted primarily of agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), a department not traditionally involved in direct protective services for the President or former Presidents.

Non-Traditional Security Personnel Led Trump Rally Protection

One of the critical issues raised was the apparent lack of familiarity these HSI agents had with the usual security protocols. These protocols include thorough checks and the deployment of detection canines—measures that are rarely overlooked in similar events.

The absence of these standard procedures created a risky environment at the rally, contributing to the potential for serious breaches. Not only were detection canines missing, but the security buffer zone around the podium, where Trump was speaking, was also inadequately policed.

Amid the controversy, questions have arisen about why the security detail was made up predominantly of DHS officials not from the USSS. This decision diverged from standard practice, where USSS agents typically lead security at events involving current or former national leaders.

Hawley Demands Accountability

Hawley's concerns extended beyond the immediate security lapses. On July 19, he wrote to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas requesting explicit clarifications on several key issues, including the decision-making process regarding staffing and the specific training provided to HSI agents in charge.

Queries also covered adherence to security protocols at the rally, particularly focusing on the use of detection canines and enforcement of perimeter security, which were not properly implemented.

The dissatisfaction with DHS's transparency was vocalized by Hawley, who pointed to the termination of a Secret Service briefing to senators as an example of the department's lack of openness. The briefing ended abruptly, which prevented many senators from asking crucial questions about the event.

Transparency and Proper Protocols in Question

Hawley criticized the DHS for its handling of information, emphasizing the difference between the information provided by whistleblowers and that by official channels. "According to the allegations, the July 13 rally was considered to be a 'loose' security event," informed the whistleblowers.

"The majority of the DHS officials at the rally were not United States Secret Service agents but were instead drawn from the DHS’s Homeland Security Investigations," Hawley noted, highlighting a significant deviation from normal protocol.

This situation raises concerns not just about the effectiveness of the security provided at that event, but also more broadly regarding the standards and procedures of the Department of Homeland Security when it comes to protecting high-profile figures in politically charged environments.

Critical Eye on Homeland Security

Focusing on the readiness of the HSI agents, Hawley expressed his alarm: "This is especially concerning given that HSI agents were unfamiliar with standard protocols typically used at these types of events."

The inadequacy in training and familiarity with presidential security protocols by HSI agents at an event of such magnitude does not bode well for assurance of safety and stringent security measures that the public expects for its leaders.

"DHS was not appropriately forthcoming with Members of Congress," Hawley lamented. "This is completely unacceptable and contrary to the public’s interest in transparency. Instead, we have learned more from whistleblowers than your department's officials," he added, expressing a deep frustration with the lack of information and genuine transparency from DHS.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the security arrangements at Donald Trump's July 13 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, were notably different from standard practices, largely due to the involvement of non-standard personnel in crucial roles.

Further inquiry into the decisions behind these arrangements, as well as an emphasis on the need for transparency and adherence to proper protocols, remains imperative.

Hawley's continued efforts to seek answers from DHS highlight an ongoing concern about maintaining rigorous standards for the safety of high-profile political figures.